Can You Take a Bath While Pregnant? Doctors Share Safety Tips and More

I had one foot halfway in the tub during my first pregnancy when I thought, “Wait a minute—can I take a bath while pregnant?!” I hopped in the shower instead, just to be safe.

At my next prenatal appointment, I learned that there are real benefits to unwinding in the tub during pregnancy—but there are a few important caveats to know, particularly about water temperature.

Ready to soak it all in? Here, experts break down the details and safety considerations.

Key Takeaways

• Can you take a bath while pregnant? Baths are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s important to take some safety precautions.
• Safest bath temperature when pregnant: Avoid super-hot baths when pregnant: Make sure that the water temperature stays below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• What to add to your bath when pregnant: Epsom salts and oatmeal baths are generally safe.
• What not to add to your bath when pregnant: Some bubble baths, bath bombs and similar products can lead to irritation due to their artificial scents. Be cautious with essential oils too.
• What to avoid: Steer clear of hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges while pregnant.

Can You Take Baths While Pregnant?

The good news is that, yes, you can take baths while you’re pregnant. “You have all of these barriers to keep bath water from reaching baby and to help protect baby from getting outside infections,” says Dr. Jennifer Leighdon Wu, MD, an ob-gyn at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. That said, you’ll want to take some precautions while taking baths during pregnancy. For starters, you’ll want to regulate the water temperature.

What’s the safest bath temperature when pregnant?

When taking a bath during pregnancy, it’s important to make sure the water temperature stays below 100°F. To be safe, consider testing the water with a bath thermometer. “I just kept it warm, and I didn’t stay in longer than I was comfortable,” shares new mom Maggie Y.

A hot soak can raise your core body temperature—pregnant women should maintain a core body temperature under 102.2°F, especially in the first trimester. To that end, it’s also important to avoid saunas and hot tubs while pregnant.

It’s also discouraged to take cold plunges or ice baths (typically under 60°F) in pregnancy, as they can trigger a stress response—and there’s no proven benefit in pregnancy.

Can You Take Hot Baths While Pregnant?

It’s generally just fine to kick back in the tub when you’re pregnant, but hot baths are a different story. “Watch the temperature,” advises Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “I don’t recommend super hot baths,” he adds.

Again, it’s a good idea to limit your water temperature to 100°F to be safe—Dr. Ruiz says that even lower is ideal if you’re bathing regularly. And if you feel that you’re too hot at a water temperature just below that, it’s best to get out.

There are a few potential reasons for this. First, you can end up feeling lightheaded when you’re exposed to too-hot temperatures in pregnancy. “You can faint, and your blood pressure can drop,” Dr. Wu warns.

Second, hot baths may pull blood away from your uterus and placenta to help cool you down, Dr. Ruiz says, and your core body temperature may rise.

Research has also linked soaking in hot tubs for longer periods of time—especially in early pregnancy—with potential birth defects.

How Long Can You Soak in a Bath While Pregnant?

There’s no specific limit on how long to stay in the tub while pregnant, says Dr. Daniel J. Martingano, DO, an ob-gyn at Episcopal Health Services in Far Rockaway, New York. Still, he says it’s best not to overdo it. “I’d say 15 to 20 minutes is a reasonable timeframe,” he suggests.

Signs it’s time to get out of the bath

There are a few signs that it’s time to get out of the tub, according to Julie Lamppa, APRN, CNM, director of midwifery services at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

• You feel overheated
• You feel sweaty
• Your heart rate feels faster than usual
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded
• You feel nauseous
• You develop a headache

“If this is happening, promptly get out of the bath and cool your body down by sitting in front of a fan, getting to a cooler environment or drinking cold water,” Lamppa says.

Risks to Taking Baths During Pregnancy—and How to Stay Safe

If you enjoy taking baths, doctors say you shouldn’t stop doing so just because you’re pregnant. “For a normal, healthy person, usually the bath is pretty safe,” Dr. Wu says. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to taking baths during pregnancy.

• Watch the temperature. Your bath should feel warm, but not hot. Consider investing in a bath thermometer to be extra sure the water’s under 100°F.
• Be aware of slip hazards. Baths come with a risk of slipping and falling. Having a bath mat with a non-slip bottom next to the tub and getting in and out slowly can be helpful for lowering your risk. You can also add non-slip treads to the inside of your tub. Keeping the lights on also lowers your risk.
• Avoid vaginal irritation. Bubble baths, bath bombs and other products can lead to a condition known as vulvitis, which is essentially vaginal irritation, Dr. Ruiz says. That can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, redness and swelling in your vulva.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Baths While Pregnant?

While it’s important to take precautions, there are also plenty of great reasons to take a bath while pregnant. They include:

• It’s relaxing. Kicking back in the tub can help you unwind, Dr. Wu says.
• It may ease pain. “Taking baths during pregnancy can help soothe sore muscles,” says Lamppa. “The buoyancy of the water can ease pressure on the body and may help reduce back and [pelvic discomfort](](https://www.thebump.com/a/pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy) in pregnancy.” Dr. Wu adds that it can even alleviate hemorrhoid pain while pregnant.
• It can cool you off. While most people take warm or hot baths, Dr. Wu points out that you can also use your tub as a mini pool. “A cool bath can help you cool down when you’re very sweaty,” she says.
• Easy access. “I found it much easier to shave my legs in a bath than I did in the shower once my bump got really big,” shares new mom Laura L.

What Can You Add to Your Bath While Pregnant?

Wondering if you can add any extras while enjoying your soak? Dr. Martingano recommends keeping this in mind: “The skin has an absorptive function, just like our stomachs do. Consider what may or may not be something you’d want to put into your body.”

Learn more details on what to add to your bath (and what to skip), ahead.

Can you take a bubble bath while pregnant?

“I’d recommend staying away from bubble baths or bath bombs,” Lamppa advises. She explains that you’re more prone to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections during pregnancy, and soaps around the vulva can make these worse.

Can you take an Epsom salt bath in pregnancy?

Epsom salt baths are generally safe during pregnancy. Just opt for the unscented kind, since they’re less likely to irritate your skin, suggests Lamppa. “Watch out for open areas in your skin, as salts can sting and burn,” she adds. Also, make sure to follow the label instructions on how much salt to add.

Can you take a milk bath while pregnant?

Yes, you can take a milk bath while pregnant. Use unspoiled, pasteurized milk and be sure to wash off well afterward.

What else can you add to your bath while pregnant?

The following are generally safe to add to your bath while pregnant:

• Colloidal oatmeal. “Taking oatmeal baths is safe and may feel good, especially if skin is dry or itchy,” Lamppa says.
• Rose petals
• Body wash (make sure to check for harsh ingredients)

What not to add to your bath while pregnant?

Be cautious with essential oils in your bath, Lamppa notes. “If used improperly—too much or too concentrated—this could produce skin or vulvar irritation.” Again, bubble bath and bath bombs can also provoke skin issues during pregnancy.

To Sum It Up

If you enjoy a relaxing bath once in a while, it’s perfectly okay to indulge during pregnancy—just make sure to keep the temperature of the water below 100°F. You can also feel free to add extras like epsom salt, but avoid fragrance-laden products like bath bombs and bubble baths. Enjoy the peaceful soaks—pretty soon, that tub will be full of bath toys!

How We Developed This Article

Pregnancy seems like a great time to take a relaxing bath—but it’s important to do it safely. To learn about the safety precautions around baths during pregnancy, we spoke with three ob-gyns and a midwife. We referenced research journals and medical institutions, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), to ensure we’re providing the latest guidance. We also talked to three moms, who shared their own experiences with bathing while pregnant. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Korin Miller is a mom of four and a self-proclaimed bath-lover. After going through a moment of bath-induced panic during her first pregnancy, she started asking questions—and was relieved to know she was okay to take a soak at the end of a long day, provided it wasn’t too hot. As an experienced health and pregnancy writer and parent, Korin infuses every article she touches with empathy and words of personal wisdom. Her work has appeared in publications such as Women’s Health, Prevention, Cosmopolitan and The Washington Post.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.